Man faces attempted murder charge

A Nevada man had only been in the Cheboygan area for about six weeks before attempting to harm himself by trying to entice police to use deadly force, authorities say.

By MIKE FORNESmike@cheboygantribune.com

A Nevada man had only been in the Cheboygan area for about six weeks before attempting to harm himself by trying to entice police to use deadly force, authorities say.Andrew Franklin Woodburn, 34, is being charged under a five-count warrant that carries a life sentence upon conviction after ramming a Cheboygan County Sheriff's patrol car into traffic and injuring a deputy and two 12-year-old downstate girls that were passengers in a third vehicle.Woodburn has been arraigned in connection with charges that include assault with intent to murder a police officer, felon in possession of firearms, third-degree fleeing and eluding, resisting a police officer and operating while intoxicated. Woodburn is also being charged as a three time habitual offender.A court proceeding to address the charges was delayed while officials checked into Woodburn's background from Carson City, Nev., where he and his parents lived until moving to Michigan about six weeks ago, authorities said. As a result, a $1 million cash bond has been set in the case.Deputy Darren LaChapelle responded to a 911 call from Black River Trail in Grant Township at 4:39 p.m. Sunday placed by Woodburn's family, who stated that the man was suicidal. The caller told 911 Dispatch that Woodburn was becoming violent with his parents and wanted the police to kill him. Deputies enroute were advised that the subject was leaving in a vehicle, had weapons — possibly a machete — and other knives. LaChapelle spotted the pick-up truck in question attempting to leave Black River Trail, traveling toward him at a high rate of speed and stopped his patrol vehicle to block entrance to Black River Road. The pick-up struck the police car head on and pushed it onto Black River Road and into another vehicle traveling southbound. LaChapelle was able to exit his vehicle and was confronted by the man, who was yelling at the deputy in an aggressive and threatening manner demanding the deputy kill him. A taser was employed to stun the man and take him into custody. The machete and knives were found in the truck. The four occupants in the second vehicle, a family from Burton, Mich., included two 12-year-old girls who were treated and released after treatment for injuries they received. LaChapelle suffered a head wound that required stitches after striking his head on a shotgun rack in the patrol car during the impact.He is off work for a week recovering from the injury.A preliminary examination has been scheduled for July 10 in Cheboygan County 89th District Court.